One of the most iconic islands in Greece, Mykonos is a glamorous destination for people who want to party, stay in luxury hotels and recline on long stretches of golden beach. But there’s more to Mykonos than just glitz and glamour, the island’s culture remains strong and there is a lot to explore on this alluring island.
Mykonos’ charming white buildings, labyrinthine ancient streets and delicious spectrum of Greek cuisine means the island has lots of hidden gems that are waiting to be explored. Mykonos is well known for its fantastic beaches; some are perfect for families, with gentle shores and soft sands, while others are all about night-long parties where you could be dancing alongside a celebrity or two.
Mykonos Town
Whitewashed houses with domes painted in eye-popping blue, ancient wooden doors, old stone lanes, charming churches and vines of purples flowers – Mykonos Town is a picture of Cycladic architecture. It’s easy to walk around the center of the island’s capital on foot, as much of it is closed to traffic.
The town has grown cosmopolitan in culture; the beach is scattered with eateries and deck chairs, whilst designer boutiques, art galleries and souvenir shops sell their goods to tourists venturing in to firm land from the visiting cruise ships.
Decadent cafes and bars edge the tiny streets and, as night falls, the town hots up with party-goers arriving to meet with friends and dance the night away at one of its many night clubs. There are several different options for accommodation in Mykonos, but much of it is mid-range and luxury, with private pools that overlook the ocean.
Where to Stay in Mykonos Town
- Belvedere Hotel – xet across seven gorgeous whitewashed buildings and with minimalist Cycladic style rooms (most of which come with stunning sea views), this 5-star option boasts a branch of the world-renowned Nobu restaurant.
- Vencia Boutique Hotel – With its infinity pool overlooking the sea – complete with a bar – this is where to stay if you feel like getting away from it all and simply relaxing.
- Poseidon Hotel Suites – A whitewashed hotel with a relaxing atmosphere, this hotel is well located, with the Mykonos windmills a few minutes walk away.
Ornos
The quiet village of Ornos is nestled upon a busy harbor, where working fishing boats and luxury yachts sit side by side. The village is situated between two pristine beaches, one with calm, turquoise waters, great for sunbathing and swimming, and the other is popular with kite surfers due to its high winds.
The streets of the village are home to taverns and hotels which are more high-end, but away from the hustle and bustle of Mykonos Town, which is only a short taxi or bus ride away.
Where to Stay in Ornos
- Mykonos Blanc – This 5-star hotel has it all when it comes to beachfront luxury. There’s a chilled beach bar to enjoy after a spot of lounging on its private slice of sand, three restaurants to choose from, as well as a gym and a spa.
Platys Gialos
The cosy village of Platys Gialos sits in an elegant crescent bay. Its stretch of pebbly beach is the longest on the island and attracts holidaymakers who want to spend their days reclining on sun loungers.
The beach also offers the opportunity to try out some fun watersports and boat rides to nearby islands. In the evening, restaurants on the beach play music and locals sit alongside visitors in the welcoming, relaxed atmosphere.
Many of the hotels in Platys Gialos tumble right onto the beach and come at a cost, but cheaper apartments can be found further into the village. It’s simple to reach Mykonos town by catching the bus from Platys Gialos, which takes just 10 minutes.
Where to Stay in Platys Gialos
- Nissaki Boutique Hotel – Overlooking the beautiful Psarou Beach, this chic 5-star hotel definitely lives up to its boutique name. Staying true to the Cycladic style of the island, the buildings here are whitewashed and minimal and look just perfect against the backdrop of the glittering sea.
- Argo Hotel – This gorgeous hotel is close to the blue-flag beach of Platis Yialos and features traditional hospitality – all in a cool, block-style Cycladic setting.
Agios Ioannis
Little Agios Ioannis is a welcoming village built in the shape of an amphitheater around its stunning sandy beach. A great spot for a family holiday, the beach is quiet and low-key, with less of the buzz of neighboring beaches, so if you are looking for some time-out, Agios Ioannis is the village for you. The islands of Delos and Rheneia are nearby and can be seen in the distance.
If you are a culinary fiend, the village has some delicious offerings in the local restaurants that are found along the picturesque streets, alongside a mix of hotels and accommodation which offer something for everyone.
Where to Stay in Agios Ioannis
- Anax Resort and Spa – Featuring a stunning infinity pool that overlooks the turquoise blue of the Aegean Sea, as well as an upscale restaurant and several bars to drink at, there’s plenty to enjoy at this luxury hotel.
- Lithos by Spyros & Flora – Lithos is an upmarket option with rooms that feature the perfect blend of style and comfort.
Paradise Beach
If you are in Mykonos to party then you should probably hit up Paradise Beach. Home to two clubs, the beach is popular with holidaymakers who want to sip martinis and dance the night away to big name DJs. In the day, beautiful people parade to the beat of low-key music and then, as evening falls, clubbers descend to dance until dawn. Paradise Beach is all about the fun-filled atmosphere and the good times.
Choosing to stay in the heart of the party scene will mean you have the choice of staying right on the beach at one of the high-end hotels, or further away in a lower-cost apartment or bungalow.
Where to Stay in Paradise Beach
- Paradise View Hotel – There’s a chilled cafe, which also features a relaxed terrace and a bar. It’s two kilometers from here to the buzz of Paradise Beach.
Elia Beach
The long, white stretch of sand that is Elia Beach is a fun and laid-back spot. With only one restaurant in the town and a maze of traditional Cycladic houses, the charm of Elia Beach lures many to its crystal clear waters.
The beach has a liberal atmosphere and is gay-friendly as well as being popular with nudists. Although it can get busy, it is much quieter than nearby villages, as it is the last stop on the water taxi from Mykonos.
Accommodation near the beach is made up of luxury, designer boutique hotels which come with all the amenities you should need to make your stay as comfortable as possible.
Where to Stay in Elia Beach
- Arte & Mare Luxury Suites – There’s an outdoor pool to enjoy, as well as spa treatments and even a hammam (Turkish bath)! Some of the rooms come with their very own saunas for that added touch of extravagance. If you can bear leaving the hotel, this place also runs boat trips.
Tourlos
The little coastal village of Tourlos is the picture of Greek charm, with boxy white houses, colorful shutters and fresh flowers. The village’s sandy beach is a great spot for watersports and swimming next to the popular new harbor, where you can catch a boat to other destinations on the island.
The once sleepy village has become very popular recently and has grown quickly, with a wide choice of upscale accommodations to provide for the stream of wealthy visitors coming to its shores. Many well-known celebrities have made Tourlos their second home and built impressive villas in the area.
Where to Stay in Tourlos
- Olia Hotel – From the relaxed setting of this 3-star offering, it’s easy to get to both the center of town and the nearby beach – the vibrant Agios Stefanos.
Super Paradise Beach
The most famous party beach on Mykonos, Super Paradise Beach should probably be renamed Super Party Beach. Staying near Super Paradise Beach would mean a 24-hour party, which is a big draw for people who want to let their hair down.
Sip cocktails by the sea and rub shoulders with celebrities on the golden sands as the blue ocean laps the shores. The beach is also famous for its gay scene and for being one of the most beautiful spots in all of Greece.
Accommodation in the area is mostly made up of luxury villas and boutique hotels, which attract a glamorous crowd. You can catch a taxi boat from Super Paradise Beach to other popular towns or just take the local bus.
Where to Stay in Super Paradise Beach
- Super Paradise Suites & Rooms – This Cycladic style offering features a cool open-air restaurant, a terrace for soaking up the sun, and a bar for a few drinks before heading out and discovering the restaurants and bars nearby.
Kalafatis
Kalafatis town’s golden beach is a big draw to visitors who want to spend their break splashing in turquoise waters. One of the most attractive beaches on the island, Kalafatis is a magnet for windsurfers, who enjoy the strong breezes. There is also a whole range of watersports to try out.
The town has many family friendly hotels at mid-range prices and many bars and dining options where you can try out Greek dishes. There is a bus that runs throughout the day connecting with Mykonos Town.
Where to Stay in Kalafatis
- Anemoessa Mykonos – Stylish, Cycladic and whitewashed, this isn’t just a luxury hotel, it’s also a great place to come if you’re planning a wedding. There’s actually a beautiful chapel here that overlooks the sea!
Kalo Livadi
Kalo Livadi is a peaceful community made up of local farming families. Set in a valley, hotels and holiday villas have sprung up here, with holiday makers enjoying the town’s long sandy beach. The rural town is family friendly and there are sunbeds and other facilities, as well as many watersports to try out.
There are attractive taverns and low-key bars that are perfect for sunset viewing. Sit back and relax in the serene evening atmosphere as the sun dips over the horizon.
Where to Stay in Kalo Livadi
- Pietra e Mare Mykonos – Stay in one of this 4-star hotel’s stylish, minimalist rooms, complete with wonderful sea views (as well as some with Jacuzzis), and then have a beautiful evening dining in its upscale Mediterranean restaurant.
Ano Mera
Much quieter than other places on the island, relaxing Ano Mera is less about partying and more about a slow pace of life. Located almost in the center of the island, there aren’t any beaches close to the village, which explains why there are less tourists here.
But don’t let that put you off, it’s only a quick bus ride to the hustle and bustle of the beaches in Mykonos town, or you could hire a car and explore the island’s beautiful coastline.
Ano Mera is a great choice if your budget is a little tight. Choose from one of the hotels in the village that are small, family-owned and welcoming. There are some delightful local restaurants where you can dine alongside friendly neighbors and learn more about life on the island.
Where to Stay in Ano Mera
- Hotel Anatolia – Whitewashed and cubist in style, this chilled hotel features an amazing outdoor pool area; it boasts wicker sun loungers shaded by thatched umbrellas for a touch of unique style.
Panormos
In the north of the island is picturesque Panormos. With a long stretch of beach, the tiny town is compact, family-friendly and low-key. The town’s sheltered coast and calm waters make it perfect for days spent splashing on the shores and making sandcastles with your family.
The village has a relaxed nightlife: families wander along the promenade and enjoy happy dinners in local restaurants and then grab dessert from a bakery.
This tiny town gives tourists the chance to spend some time soaking up the Greek culture and the ancient Roman history of the island. Hotels in the area are varied and provide different options to suit everyone, from couples on a romantic getaway to young families on a summer holiday.
Where to Stay in Panormos
- Panormos Village – The whitewashed buildings of this lovely hotel are drenched with greenery for a peaceful feeling. The rooms here are simple but large and feature comfortable beds as well as sea views.
Paraga
Probably the best option on Mykonos for travelers on a budget, Paraga has a campsite and some hostels, which makes the otherwise very expensive island a little more affordable. The sunsets from the pebbly beach are spectacular and there are some fantastic diving opportunities just off the coast.
The beaches here are very popular with tourists, so it does have all of the amenities you need to make your days in the sun fun.
Where to Stay in Paraga
- San Giorgio Mykonos – Utterly stylish, this bastion of luxury is a top choice for those looking to stay in chic surroundings on their Mykonos holiday. Its beautifully rooms are minimalist and feature quirky design touches like rustic hammocks to chill out in or luxury open-air lounges..
Agios Sostis
Small but beautiful, the little village of Agios Sostis is captivating. A 500-year-old chapel, after which the village is named, sits alongside the ocean, and is one of many other old churches in the village. The beach here is much quieter than others on Mykonos, but there are still beach bars and watersports to enjoy.
The town is ideal for a couples holiday or a low-key family break. There are many delicious restaurants serving seafood and local dishes to enjoy together. Plus the accommodation on offer is much more reasonably priced than the rest of the island, and is usually set in traditional white Greek villas.
Where to Stay in Agios Sostis
- Mykonos Star – With dramatic views overlooking Panormos Bay, this family-run aparthotel comes complete with rooms that feature practical, self-catering facilities and a sense of beautiful design aesthetic.
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